MARK’S MESSENGER

The Parish Magazine of St Mark’s Church, Broomhill and Broomhall,

March 2017 Price 65p

Library of Corpus Christi College, Oxford – see inside

CAN WE DISAGREE WELL?

The Anglican Church is a diverse community of believers trying to be a Broad Church. The challenge as I see it is that we have a system that is inconsistent and therefore fails to unify us. We don't have doctrines on which we all agree and we do allow individual consciences to be taken into account.

In his book Liberal Faith in a Divided Church (p221), Clatworthy says, Amidst our differences, we are united as God's ‘respectful dialogue within the believing people, serving the pilgrims making the journey. community is essential to keeping the tradition alive, and involves maintaining pilgrimage handbook. Over time, communication with people we where initially we held completely disagree with.’ separate services for anointing of the sick and reconciliation, now Protestants Creative dialogue becomes impossible and Roman Catholics are united in a when one side presents their single service. A sense of integrity and contribution with absolute certainty. respect for each other's theological Good decision making demands that viewpoint is maintained as within each different opinions are brought together service, Protestants seek out the and explored in each other's company. Anglican priests and Roman Catholics My experience of St Mark's is that we theirs. At present it is not difficult to are able to do this well. In the search identify who is who, the Anglican clergy for truth and justice, we learn from each are female! other through seeking knowledge and experience from the community around At the Eucharist, the boundaries us, always on the lookout for additional become more evident and a line has information and insights. been drawn that we have agreed not to cross until such time as the structures Over a number of years on the in which we work and worship change. pilgrimage to Lourdes, I've seen how this approach can be fruitful. Initially, Protestants do not receive Communion Anglicans joined the Roman Catholic at the Catholic Mass and Catholics do pilgrimage, now the Protestant not receive Communion at ours. contingent is a small yet integral part of Instead, we offer each other a prayer of the pilgrimage. For me, the first sign of blessing. This is the reality in which we unity was having an Anglican on the live and worship and it is through standing committee. The second, embodying that reality, sharing in the integrating the Anglican liturgy into the pain of not being in communion and

2 discovering the joy of what we can do WHO IS BISHOP PHILIP together, that progress has been made. NORTH?

Here in Sheffield, many people feel The unsettled because we have a bishop announcement who disagrees with something which of could be said to form part of our as the new constitution, that he would ordain Bishop of women to the priesthood. Does being Sheffield was tolerant and inclusive mean that we met cautiously can't challenge the situation we find in this church. ourselves in? Everyone needs to feel Bishop Philip, they are respected and valued. Should currently the the constitution be updated or should he suffragan be asked to withdraw from his position? Bishop of , once apparently The constitution means that he has a described himself as a ‘die-hard right to belong but it also means that Anglo-papalist’; known for his work those who disagree with his viewpoint with the poor and disabled, but also have the right to present a proposal for for his opposition to female change. Both sides have valid ordination. viewpoints and both sides need to be able to express their opinions without Two years ago, he attracted national fear of discrimination or censorship. I headlines at his consecration into the don't consider it's a case of either we Diocese of . Archbishop accept his appointment or we challenge John Sentamu, who had installed Rt the constitution, rather we accept his Revd Libby Lane as the country’s appointment and we challenge the first female bishop just days earlier, constitution. notably stood aside for the traditional ‘laying of hands’. We need to be able to recognise and express our feelings about the tensions Born in North London in 1966, that exist, in order to be able to live and Bishop Philip studied history at York, work together with integrity and mutual where he felt a strong calling to inner- respect. In the words of Archbishop urban ministry. Ordained deacon in Justin Welby to the Primates about the 1992, and priest in 1993, his schism over deeply held differences of subsequent roles have been in opinion concerning human sexuality dioceses as far apart as Durham, issues, ‘Reconciliation doesn’t always Norwich, and London. mean agreement; in fact it very seldom does. It means finding ways of His interests include cycling, walking, disagreeing well and that’s what we’ve and watching football – hobbies that got to do.’ should make Sheffield feel like home. Shan Rush, Assistant Priest Andrew Burdett 3 THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF A NEW BISHOP

The Diocese’s Statement of Needs states that the new bishop of Sheffield would need to be ‘a focal point of unity in the Body of Christ enabling mutual flourishing amongst the different Anglican traditions in the diocese’.

What is all the fuss about? so men may be called to serve a Women were first ordained priest in diocese where several parishes are the Church of in 1994 after from a very different church decades of debate. St Mark’s had tradition. been at the heart of these Asymmetrical arrangements campaigns. The Rt Revd Michael Adie, then Bishop of Guildford, who When a woman becomes a was Vicar of St Mark’s in the 1960’s, Diocesan Bishop, or a man who has gave the closing remarks to Synod ordained women or who is not when the legislation was passed, considered to carry the theological and Prof David MacLean, an authority required by a particular Ecclesiastical Lawyer and member parish, these parishes can apply for of St Mark’s, drafted the legislation Alternative Episcopal Oversight which was successful. It was 20 which means that they are served years later, in 2014 that the bar by a bishop from within their preventing women from actually tradition. There are currently only entering the episcopacy was lifted. two diocesan bishops who won’t During this time, and now, men who ordain women as priests (London do not accept that women are and Chichester) and they are both priests are still ordained in the in dioceses which have never had a . Many people diocesan bishop who will ordain don’t realise the impact of this. women as priests. This probably doesn’t make it any easier for When men from the traditional women priests in London and catholic or conservative evangelical Chichester, but it is the norm there. ‘wings’ of the Church are perceived to have the qualities needed to Here in Sheffield, the serve as a bishop it may become announcement that the new bishop increasingly difficult to find a would not ordain women came as a diocese in which they could serve. shock to many parishes. Sheffield Sheffield Diocese has 17% of its has been used to bishops who will parishes under alternative Episcopal ordain women as priests. This was oversight so it is perceived to be a our default, so the alternative feels, diocese where a traditionalist bishop to many, like a backward step. In may thrive. Just as women may addition to this, the news was not serve a diocese where several communicated evenly or effectively parishes don’t support her ministry, across the Diocese and there is still

4 a great deal of miscommunication committed to encouraging new taking place. vocations and ensuring that women take on senior positions within the When a woman bishop joins a Diocese. diocese there are protocols and systems in place to support those Since his nomination was who do not accept her authority but announced, there has been some there is no equivalent process in opposition to his appointment on the place when the diocesan bishop is grounds that it appears to be going the one who is not in full back on the excellent work of the communion with all of his clergy. last twenty years. Those of us who are sensitive to issues of Responses discrimination feel that the As we write this, we are in the early compromises made to days following the announcement of accommodate those who do not Bishop Philip’s nomination and we agree with the ordination of women are still gathering information and went too far and now women forming our thoughts. Bishop Philip themselves are being compromised. comes from a tradition which holds It is important to understand that that the Church of England did not this view is not universally held have the authority to ordain women amongst women clergy but is as priests. However, he shared by some male clergy and understands the responsibilities of a some lay people. It is fair to say Diocesan Bishop and will do all he that there is some confusion around can to ensure that women continue the Diocese at the moment. to flourish in their ministries. He is

For more information, you might be interested to look up: The Five Guiding Principles (GS1924); NEW NORMS, NEW BEGINNING (, March 2015); The Society of St Wilfrid and St Hilda www.sswsh.com;

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? At its meeting on February 15, St Mark’s PCC committed to responding to the announcement of the new Bishop of Sheffield by:  asking the Independent Reviewer to ensure that due process was followed within the Diocese;  writing to the , to express our concerns about this particular nomination in order that we can move forward from here confidently and build the relationships of trust which will be necessary;  inviting Bishop Philip North to visit St Mark’s and talk through these issues with us. Sue Hammersley 5 CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE, OXFORD

now upon us and readers of Mark’s Messenger may be interested in the College’s particular claim to significance and one particular way in which we shall mark it.

Corpus Christi today is a community of several faiths and none. The sixteenth-century Chapel, recently restored to its former glory, is a matched wing to the historic Library, a physical I was often asked, as President of arrangement which declares the one of Oxford University’s College’s origins as the first colleges, what the job involved. Renaissance institution in Oxford. My answer was that (mostly) I presided. This was not a slippery answer. Corpus Christi is one of the oldest of the 38 self-governing colleges that make up Oxford University – though it is nothing like as old as its namesake in the Fens, the Cambridge alma mater of our own dearly remembered John Roach. As its head, I spent much of my time presiding over the business of the College in its committees and governing body meetings. I did so, in keeping with Oxford’s common practice, not as a Trump-like CEO, but as primus inter pares. Policy, whether academic or financial, was collectively set and pursued.

This, though, did not remove all opportunities for presidential initiatives. Throughout my time at Corpus I was preoccupied by planning the 500th anniversary celebrations of its foundation in 1517. The Quincentenary Year is

6 It pioneered Humanism – the New him Fox’s natural choice for Learning – a radical departure in Corpus. intellectual life. The Founder of the College, Richard Fox, Bishop At Corpus, Fox and Claymond of Winchester, was chief advisor, fostered ambitiously high first to King Henry VII (as Henry standards of scholarly inquiry Richmond’s secretary he was at across a range of subjects: Bosworth Field when King Richard medicine, mathematics, III lost his horse and his crown) astronomy, and – no less and then to Henry VIII (who trusted significant – Greek and Hebrew. Fox more than his other Like other scholars of Renaissance councillors, but still had to take Europe, Fox wanted to educate care: Winchester, he said, was a students not just in Latin, the fox). Having been one of the normal language of academic and agents in Henry’s marriage to religious discourse, but in the Catherine of Aragon, Fox shrewdly backed away from affairs of state when the King wanted to move on, yielding to Wolsey and then Cromwell, and thought instead about his educational legacy.

Corpus Christi, as the name suggests, was a pre-Reformation foundation but Fox, sensing change in the air, chose not to make it a home for ‘buzzing monks’. Instead it would be a secular college, taking clever young men from poorer parts of England to prepare them for the priesthood. To run a tight ship, he installed John Claymond as president. Claymond was a scholarly young man who had already cleansed Magdalen College (removing a vice-president tainted with adultery, heresy, and The woodcut above designed by Durer receiving stolen goods, and was shows St Jerome removing a thorn from also said to have baptised a cat the lion’s paw. It is the opening of a 1497 and practised magic.) Claymond’s collection of letters of St Jerome, printed in interest in the New Learning made Basel. The three books on his desk are opened to show the first words of Genesis in Greek, Hebrew and Latin.

7 languages of the Bible itself. He Renaissance scholarship required had a keen interest in Hebrew a superior library, of course – and (then called ‘the third language’, in the holdings at Corpus were conjunction with Latin and Greek) especially fine. Erasmus claimed it as well as in Jewish learning more would equal the Vatican as a broadly. Corpus became an magnet for study. unsurpassed centre of classical and Scriptural study. It would take Fox’s achievement influenced the lead in the enterprise that acquisitions for centuries to come. resulted in the King James Bible in Sadly, these treasures have 1611, for it was John Rainolds, the remained largely beyond public seventh president of Corpus, who gaze for much of the College’s proposed to the King that there be 500-year history. Although Corpus an authorised English translation plays host to scholars world-wide of Scripture. An outstanding who come to consult its Hebraist, and equally learned in manuscripts and rare books, the Greek, Rainolds hosted one of the amazing collection – held in six groups of translators in his underground vaults – is not College rooms. generally known. To put this right, during 2017 we are doing what no other Oxford college has done: exhibiting a selection of its gems in the United States. For six months, from February, Corpus manuscripts, books, and silver – including Fox’s stunning crozier – will be on show at the Folger Library in Washington DC and later the Center for Jewish History in New York. I urge any members of St Mark’s who may find themselves over there to pay a visit. You will not be disappointed!

Richard Cawardine

Richard Carwardine has recently retired from Oxford University, where he was Rhodes Professor of American History (2002-09) and the thirty-first President of Corpus Christi College (2010-16).

8 SECOND MARCUS BORG POEM LECTURE Mark James writes: ‘I wrote this poem Last May, Diana Butler Bass gave this January thinking back to an the Inaugural Borg Lecture to encounter with a border policeman I commemorate and celebrate the had on a visit to Ireland in 1989. I was legacy of Marcus Borg. This year struck by his words free and state. I the second Borg lecture will be use these words in the light of BREXIT given by Robin Meyers at St discussions and transatlantic rhetoric Stephen's Church, Bristol, BS1 about national identity and national 1EQ, on Saturday, 13 May 2017 at values. Decades after my visit I read 10.30 am. His theme is How I Seamus Heaney’s marvellous poetry Became a Heretic – With Help from and my musing refers both to my Jesus. This event will mark our personal conscience and to his poem continuing gratitude for Marcus’ life From the Republic of Conscience.’ and work. We shall hear a person State, Nation, god who is very much continuing in the direction of Marcus’ thinking. ‘You’re entering the Free State, as we say’ Robin Meyers has been the senior West Donegal accent, it’s 1989 and minister at Mayflower UCC for 30 years. He is also Distinguished he’s Professor of Social Justice in the Anthracite black coated and Philosophy Department at capped– Oklahoma City University, where he but grinning and no obvious guns. has taught for 25 years. He is the However Your local policeman was best-selling author of seven books, scared and a national figure who lectures and neutralised You for the Empire on Progressive Christianity. at the national leaders’ request. Tickets are £20 for PCN and CRC Your murdered state gave me my members. Full booking details are free state though Your rules are on the PCN website at: strict no http://www.pcnbritain.org.uk/events. national interest or on-side god. Alternatively contact the PCN Administrator, 26 High Street, Just love and maybe for me the NEWNHAM, GL14 1BB. republic Ireland’s son invites me to, Robin Story Conscience.

With acknowledgement to Seamus Heaney’s From the Republic of Conscience 1987. 9 RESPONSE TO THE REPORT ON THE SHARED CONVERSATIONS

Demonstration outside Church House

When I read the report1 that the have spoken, facilitated discussion Bishops produced in response to the takes place around several tables. It Shared Conversations, I felt a is vital that people listen, ready to combination of heartbreak, despair learn. The intention is worthy and I and absolute fury. can understand why this was thought helpful. In Hallam Deanery we have The pattern for the Shared not yet had our Shared Conversation Conversations is that two LGBT and, to be honest, I am not sure if we people speak to people at a Deanery will. Speaking to Revd Ian Smith, meeting – not their own. They each one of the Bishop’s staff helping to describe their journey in the Church find LGBT people willing to talk, it and how it is as a gay or transgender was already proving to be a sensitive person. They do this in a room full of task. Some of those who had taken people they do not know. They risk a part in other places had not felt as great deal in doing this. Every safe as they had hoped to. And this Deanery has two lay people from was before the report was released. each church in the room, plus all the Now, I wonder who would put clergy. The only stipulation in themselves in that position. choosing the lay people is that they are to have an open mind and heart, The old adage that ‘you can never and be ready to listen without please all of the people all of the judgement. After the two people time’ keeps coming into my head –

10 the Bishops really tried. LGBT was too much for the Consequently, there was a conservatives. The fact that this was blandness to the report. The 12 point the only small concession made was introduction had no warmth, but not enough for the liberals. Along merely tried to remind people how with the lack of emotion, the biggest difficult the whole thing was in a vain issue the report has is that it shows attempt not to offend anyone. The very little leadership. The tone of this matter of how to embrace those who report is the same as any other on identify as LGBT is continually human sexuality. There is no change referred to as the ‘issue’. It lumps to doctrine or teaching. And yet, everybody into the same category – members of the Church are asked to one big mess in which all are change their tone, be more uncomfortable, whether conservative welcoming – although Church or liberal, or a Bishop trying leaders have failed to give any desperately to please everyone. And guidance on how to do that. It is both therein lies the problem. It’s worthy. weak and lazy. If you want It tries too hard, and leaves its heart something to change within the behind. The report concerns itself Church you are leading, then you with the intellectual process of how to need to lead that change. Asking deal with different points of view. But people to be a bit nicer to each whilst someone who is LGBT in the Church keeping the guiding principles exactly does not want their ‘point of view’ the same will achieve nothing. accepted. They want their very being accepted – as it is by God. This is not The purpose of the Shared about a point of view, it is about Conversations was to hear and identity and the right to be who you empathise with real experience. Until are. people are prepared to go from uncomfortable/ intellectualised pain, I honestly think the Bishops thought into walking alongside the LGBT that when this report came before community and experiencing the General Synod, they had managed soul-destroying heartbreak that many to walk the tightrope so as not to suffer in the Church, there will be no have offended anybody, and movement. The LGBT community therefore everyone would recognise was asked to risk a lot here. The how much hard work and strife they Church needs to risk just as much. had suffered and the vote to ’take note’ of it would go through. But it is Anne Padget not surprising to me that this did not Lay Chair, Hallam Deanery happen and, through a 100-93 vote in the House of Clergy, the report 1Marriage and Same Sex Relationships was rejected by General Synod. The after the Shared Conversations: A Report very notion of allowing a more from the House of Bishops welcoming ‘tone’ to people who are 11 SPOTLIGHT ON: THE SOUP RUN

In the first of a series of articles highlighting the work of various charitable ventures supported by the church, Andrew Burdett profiles the Soup Run project.

It’s a bitterly cold Saturday in mid- complain’, says Jane Harley, who February: a cosy-night-in type of also helps coordinate the Broomhill evening, when you lock the door Breakfast. I sense that she is not and sit back on the settee, daring joking. not venture out again that day. Tonight, Sibylle Batten has truly But at 5.30pm, a team of volunteers stepped up to the plate: taking over does venture out, arriving at St as this group’s ‘team supervisor’. It Mark’s to prepare supper for those is her responsibility to pick up who might otherwise go hungry. leftovers from external donors The food – sandwiches, hot soup, and fresh fruit – will later be driven to the Castlegate area, to be handed out to those who need it.

The volunteers tonight form one of four St Mark’s teams operating at the same time each week. The schedule is always the same, aiming to serve up at 7:30pm. ‘Otherwise the “customers”

12 (‘We’ve got some really nice bread from Roses bakers this week,’ she says), as well as doing any supplementary food shopping beforehand.

‘People from St Mark’s and the wider community are very generous but the rest of the food we buy in,’ Sibylle says.

‘It’s about an hour’s extra work, but I can’t complain… Gary [Grief] does it all on his bike.’

She goes on to say how rewarding she finds it, and comments on the sociable nature of the other volunteers.

25-year-old Martin Cooper, busy buttering baps, agrees: ‘A friend introduced me to the Soup Run when I came to Sheffield a couple of years ago. ‘We’re four minutes late,’ says ‘It’s more useful than sitting at Isabel Lloyd Jones, as our cars pull home, and everyone’s really up in front of the expectant crowd. friendly.’ Sure enough, one of the men comments on this minor delay – but With everything ready, we drive they are otherwise grateful for the down to town. much-needed sustenance. ‘Without this,’ says one, his hands wrapped around a warming cup of coffee, ‘the cold would be unbearable.’

Flasks emptied and sandwiches given out, the ‘customers’ disperse and we head off too. After washing up, the team is done for another week – but for those they served,

there’s a long, harsh night ahead.

13 THE PEAK PILGRIMAGE

The Peak Pilgrimage is a walk of walk, the pilgrimage struck me as . 36-39 miles devised by a retired a possible Lent group for 2017. vicar and keen walker, Bob Jackson, who lives in Eyam. We have a link to Ashbourne Methodist church via Pete's cousin The walk links the church of the Diana who is a lay preacher there, Holy Cross, Ilam, a place of and Milldale chapel is in the pilgrimage for a thousand years, Ashbourne circuit. The three of us with the plague village of Eyam. walked the route between August On the way you are invited to visit and October and then suggested it twelve churches, from the tiny to Sue. chapel at Milldale to the lovely St Martin, Stoney Middleton. We will walk the pilgrimage over 6 Saturdays in Lent between 4 March and 8 April.

Please be encouraged to join us for some or all of the walk. We hope to be joined by friends from Ashbourne and from the Manor parish.

We will walk approximately 5-7 miles each week. We will substantially follow the route in the guide book, though we found one or two short cuts during our research (see www.peakpigrimage.org.uk ).

Dogs will need to be on a lead as it will be lambing time. If you are wondering why the walk is 36-39 miles this is because we can walk from Baslow to either Saxon Font, Ilam Parish Church along the valley bottom or the longer, more scenic route along I heard about this walk on Clare the edges. Balding's Ramblings on Radio 4 on Maundy Thursday last year. Susan Whitmill As well as being an interesting 14 BROOMHILL FESTIVAL, 2017

This year the Broomhill focus on the history of the Festival will run for just four pubs in Broomhill and one week, from Saturday, there will be some open 10 June to Saturday, 17 gardens. St Mark’s will run June, finishing with a an event on Saturday, 17 Festival Service on June. There will also be a Sunday, 18 June. The car-washing session in the new committee have Rutland Hotel car park and decided to keep this new- a natural history walk style Festival simple – it which we hope can be will be run by the round Lynwood Gardens. community for the community. There will be The committee plan to run no fundraising for major a competition for local charities; the organisers of infant and primary schools each event can decide what charity to design a new logo for the will benefit from any profits made Festival, which can then be used in and this will be displayed at the 2018. The entries are to be on a event. Usually the charity will be postcard and it is hoped to involve local; for example, library events will the local shops by asking them to keep the profits for the library. display the postcards in their windows. We may even revive the Some familiar events will be shop window-dressing competition! happening as usual. The Festival opens on Saturday 10th with a The committee members are: concert in St Mark’s by the Bach Shelagh Marston (Chair), Judith Choir. The children’s football Pitchforth (Treasurer), Frances Gray tournament is in the afternoon on (Secretary), Jenny Carpenter Sunday 11th at the Goodwin (Beacon), Eilis Coffey (Library), Sue Athletics Centre, and there will be a Hammersley (St Mark’s), Paula morning coffee concert at the Higgins (Buzz), Sheena Ritchie Beacon on Thursday 15th June (open gardens), Judy Robinson (St when the MarksThree trio will be Mark’s), Margaret Robinson performing. The Sheffield Music (Beacon). Academy are to give a concert at St The committee have been delighted Mark’s, the Library will run two at the enthusiastic response from events, one for adults and one for local people for the continuation of children, and there will be a ‘Play in the Festival. We look forward to a a Day’ event at St Mark’s with a June week of inspiration and fun. morning rehearsal and an evening performance. Festival walks will Shelagh Marston 15 EXPLORING THE BIBLE AT ST MARK’S

In September, 2016 two new Bible the stories out loud round the group, study groups started at St Mark’s: using a wide variety of translations Reading the Story and Logos. This depending on which each participant article tells a little about each of them prefers to use. The group’s approach and explores some of the similarities is to take the long narratives as great and differences between them. arcing stories, dealing with important themes about God, relationships and There is, perhaps, a clue to the nature power, which have had a huge impact of each group within their respective on our culture and in many cases still titles. Reading the Story is interested do. With its interest in the whole sway in story. The group provides a of a narrative, in the six sessions chance for people to revisit (or visit for since September it has covered all of the first time) some of the sweeping 1 Samuel and the first chapter of 2 Old Testament narratives which Samuel; a total of 34 chapters. previously they may have only heard in small bits, or read in a version Logos has been investigating John’s bowdlerised for children. If a group gospel. Drawing on the insights of might be said to have a ‘feel’, it is very historical and contemporary scholars, much one of opening out from the its approach is to seek to understand text. It is an over-simplification, but, in comparison, Logos might be said to be more interested in individual words; the word logos, being Greek and, in the New Testament, normally translated as ‘word’. Sometimes picking over particular words (eg, noticing that two different Greek words are translated into the same English one and wondering why or what that might mean) the group offers the opportunity to take an in- depth look at particular passages of scripture. Its ‘feel’ is more akin to a drilling down into the text. William Blake: Saul & the Witch of Endor Reading the Story has been exploring more about a particular text both in its the books of Samuel, which relate to historical setting, but also what it the rise of the monarchy (the tragic, might say to us today. We have rejected Saul and the iconic but explored, for example, whether the flawed David) around 1,000BC. The changing of water into wine at the key interpretative technique is to read wedding at Cana (John 2:1-12) might 16 be a more metaphorical – perhaps and relevance to us today. Each stemming from a parable Jesus told – group has heard or discovered details rather than a literal story. Noting how we’ve completely missed before; the amount of wine is simply we’ve discovered that some of it is staggering, (between 120-180 gallons really funny; we’ve raised the would take you around ten years to problems of interpretation and drink if you had a couple of glasses theology. The Reading the Story every day!) we’ve wondered if it is an group has found enormous enjoyment expression of how the Johannine and interest in reading the stories out community experienced Jesus’ living loud. Using lots of versions has presence and questioned what that awakened interest in the issues might have to say about our worship surrounding biblical translation. The today and the value we place on the ‘baggage’ that some may have about role of experience within faith. Picking the Old Testament has been its way slowly through the text, Logos refreshed by new insights, and it has is only just beginning to explore been fascinating to look at which chapter three of John. stories have captured the imagination of our culture.

New members are welcome at both groups – neither has a test to pass to join or an exam to take later on to show what you’ve learnt! Indeed, if there is a point to either group it is, perhaps, simply to delight in scripture, to find pleasure, in their different ways, of exploring the Bible.

 Reading the Story meets in the church lounge at 7.30pm on the 2nd Friday of the month. After a break through Lent the next meeting will be 12th May with a change of focus to the early Wedding at Cana by He Qi' (from Art in chapters of Genesis. the Christian Tradition, a project of the rd Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN)  Logos meets on the 3 Friday of the month, 7.30pm in the vicarage. The next meeting is Despite their very different the 17th March. approaches, both groups have a great deal in common and, in many ways, Janet Morley are complementary – each, in their Mark Newitt own way wishing to take the Bible seriously as having on-going meaning

17 INDERJIT BHOGAL

We are fortunate that the Downing Street to protest Revd Inderjit Bhogal will about the detention of be leading the Three asylum seekers in Hours Devotion on Good conventional prisons as if Friday this year. Inderjit they were criminals. They has a long association are now placed in with St Mark’s. In the specialist Detention late 1980s and early Centres rather than 1990s he was Minister at prisons, but Inderjit Broomhill Methodist Church and remains deeply uneasy and, as he has kept in touch with St President of the Conference, Mark’s ever since. systematically visited Detention Centres. Inderjit was born into a Sikh family in Nairobi. In 1964, when His concern about the treatment he was 11, his family left Kenya of asylum seekers led him in because of hostility to Asians 2005 to conceive the idea of City and came to Dudley in the West of Sanctuary – bringing together Midlands. One Sunday, Inderjit those in Sheffield who wanted to and his brother wandered round create a culture of welcome and Dudley looking for a Sikh Temple safety. He quickly won the and found instead a Methodist support of 100 organisations and Church. He later became a in 2007 persuaded the City Methodist Minister and Council to declare Sheffield a eventually President of the City of Sanctuary. Since then, Methodist Conference. some 80 City of Sanctuary groups have emerged across the Inderjit’s Sikh background and country. his family’s experience as refugees have influenced his Inderjit has had many roles in his ministry. He has consistently busy life, including Director of supported inter-faith dialogue. the Urban Theology Unit, leader He established the Christian- of the Corymeela Community in Muslim group out of which grew Northern Ireland and head of the the Sheffield Inter-Faith Group. and Humber Faiths He also helped to establish Forum. He currently works in the Homeless and Rootless at Methodist Discipleship and Christmas (HARC). Ministries Learning Network in Bristol and the West Midlands He has an instinct for prophetic but remains based in Sheffield. ministry and symbolic gestures. In 1997, he walked from David Price Sheffield Town Hall to 10 STAND UP TO RACISM

not racist but…’ We need to counter the lies and distortions used to back up racism.

Sheffield SUTR with other groups helped organise protests against Donald Trump’s targeting of Muslims. It has held several public meetings such as the recent one on Prevent, which is supposed to identify radicalisation and in practice targets Muslims. It is another cause for fear among Muslims and also acts to stifle dissent.

Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) is a We heard from speakers such as coalition of organisations concerned Azad Ali who described the work of at the growing legitimisation of Muslim Engagement and racism. Immigrants whether Muslim Development (MEND) which aims to or Eastern European are blamed for enhance the engagement of British everything from lack of council Muslims in the national discourse. housing to the state of the NHS. Moazzam Begg, outreach director Many people forget that public for Cage and former Guantanamo spending cuts were imposed after Bay detainee, also pointed out the the bailing out of the banks in 2008. responsibility of the white British community to enable Muslim Muslims are also demonised as concerns to be heard due to their potential terrorists and supporters of intimidation. ISIS, while the humanitarian crisis of refugees was characterised as On 18 March there is a ‘swarms’ to be defended against. demonstration in London as part of The rise in anti-migrant, anti-refugee the United Nations day of action on and anti-Muslim rhetoric has led to a racism. For coach details and dramatic increase in violent racist further information about SUTR attacks, including anti-Semitism. contact me in church or on 07582 488 418, or go to SUTR brings together people from www.standuptoracism.org.uk trade unions, faith groups, colleges, (national), [email protected] workplaces and communities who and Facebook SheffieldSUTR want to stop racism becoming (local). respectable. Too often we hear ‘I’m Margaret Stone 19 RHIANNON CLAYTON grandchildren and great- grandchildren, many of whom she saw at a wonderful final Christmas. Rhiannon, who died recently, Maureen Bownas was born in Pwllheli in BETTY MAY Wales , the

daughter of a Science Betty was born in schoolmaster Crookes in 1923. and Welsh Methodist preacher, Later the family and a farmer's daughter from moved to Parkwood Anglesey. She spoke fluent Welsh Springs where she from her early days. She studied went to school. On leaving school she Home Economics at St Catherine's College in Liverpool where she worked as met George, a young RAF pilot. comptometer operator at Pneumatic They married in 1948 and had 4 components where her husband children. Rhiannon became a full- George also worked. They had met time mother but also helped the at a City Hall dance during the war NSPCC. and married in 1948, and had three children. In 1966 George became Professor of Applied Economics at Sheffield Betty was devoted to her family. University and Warden of Sorby Very sadly two of her children died Hall, so they moved here. She and she was the lynchpin of the became a Magistrate in 1971, family at this difficult time. She was serving for 26 years, and a Prison very proud of her children, Visitor at Wakefield Prison. On grandsons and great grandchildren. retiring, she formed the Retired Betty lived in Severn Road for 27 Magistrates Lunch Club. She was years, and volunteered in the Age involved in The University Concern shop in Broomhill for 17 Women's Club and the Sheffield years, and the WVS cafe at the Contact Centre. Her hobbies Hallamshire, enjoyed weekly walks included bridge, painting, theatre with friends, and the Townswomen’s and concert going, and she visited Guild. Betty was part of our her children and grandchildren community at St Mark's for many across the world, no doubt looking years, often found unobtrusively her elegant, glamorous, and helping out, and we remember her vibrant self. She was very with affection as a good friend and independent but also caring. She neighbour. took a great interest in her Sue Whitmill 20 SITUATION VACANT

A parish looking for a Rector is reported to have received this letter:

“Gentlemen – I understand that I am not too good at keeping your parish is looking for a new records. I have been known to Rector, and I should like to apply forget whom I have baptised. for the post.

I have many qualifications that I think you would appreciate. I have been blessed with the power to preach and have had some success as a writer. Some say that I am a good organiser. I have been a leader in most places to which I have gone.

Some men, however, think that I am too old – at fifty. I have never preached at one place more than three years at a time. However, if you want me I shall do my best for you, even if I have to In some, I have known my work to work to help with my support.” cause riots and disturbances. I have to admit that I have been in Those responsible for the jail three times – or was it four? – appointment were, of course, but not because of any indignant. wrongdoing. They were not interested in any My health is not too good as I unhealthy, contentious, trouble- suffer from fits; however, I still get making, absent-minded, ex-jailbird a good deal done. Generally I as their Rector. They thought the have had to work at my trade to application was an insult and pay my way. demanded to know the applicant’s name. The churches in which I have preached have been small, though He was finally identified as St situated in large cities. I am not Paul. on harmonious terms with the religious bodies, who have taken Anon me to court, threatened me and (reported by John Bramley) had me physically assaulted.

21 NIGHTSTOP

Amy Smith of Depaul UK sent us this article about the Nightstop Scheme for housing and supporting homeless young people. What is proposed is clearly a very challenging and demanding commitment.

Could you and your spare room The Depaul Group was formed in make a lasting difference to the life 1989 by Cardinal Basil Hume in of a vulnerable young person in response to the growing number of Sheffield? The team at Sheffield homeless people on the streets of Supported Lodgings are looking for London. He brought together as Sheffield residents who are willing founders several organisations to offer their spare room and rooted in the life and work of Saint support to help young people Vincent de Paul. transform their lives. Though Supported Lodgings is a Supported Lodgings providers come new service for Sheffield, it runs from all walks of life and offer the successfully in many other locations use of their spare room for up to 12 around the UK, including nearby in months. In addition to York. Nightstop Manager Amy accommodation, they also play a Smith said: ‘The young people using key role in supporting young people Supported Lodgings don’t just need to develop the practical life skills a roof over their heads, they also they will need to live independently need a stable and secure home in the future. environment in which they are supported to mature and develop. The Supported Lodgings team It’s a chance for members of the offers providers full support, training local community to make a tangible and guidance throughout from a difference in the life of a young designated member of staff, as well person facing homelessness.’ as a weekly payment of around £150. Anyone interested in becoming a Supported Lodgings provider or The new service is run by national finding out about other volunteering youth homelessness charity Depaul opportunities can get in touch via UK in partnership with Sheffield City email at: sheffieldsupportedlodgings Council. The charity also provides @depaulcharity.org.uk, or by calling the hugely successful Nightstop 0114 2787152. service in Sheffield, through which local volunteers provide emergency accommodation for young people in their own homes. 22 BOOK REVIEW

Does God Hate treatment of women is Women? by Ophelia often engendered by Benson and Jeremy prevailing cultural Stangroom, 2009 practice as well as (Library section E) religion, but that religion is usually used When I began reading to justify the this I had not realised oppression, and that it how topical it would is worst in countries be, with the where government and subsequent religion are intertwined. appointment of a They ask why ‘they Bishop who will not worship a wretchedly cruel, ordain a woman, let alone in the unjust executioner of a God’, a shadow of the US electing a God who approves of child rape, president who seems to view or that a woman is given 80 women as objects to grope. lashes because her hair wasn’t The book has a horrifying series completely covered. of accounts of women being beaten, whipped, shot, burned Apologists for Islam such as alive, stoned to death, raped by Karen Armstrong are criticised police before being charged for ignoring, for example, the with adultery, subjected to FGM, Koranic justifications of such murdered for damaging ‘family practices, and Judaism and honour’, married off as 9 year- Christianity for their stance old child brides or accused of based on the relic of cultural witchcraft, let alone having lives male superiority at the time of constrained by lack of their origins – ‘Clerical education, having to remain insistence that women are covered at all times and being destined for smaller more housebound virtually to the obedient lives is a pustular point of imprisonment by their pocket of injustice in the world, men-folk. and has to be exposed and resisted’; ‘by submitting to This subjugation of females may injustice we are perpetuating be at its most extreme within injustice into the future’. Islam, but occurs in various Basically the authors challenge forms within other religious us by asking, ‘Why do we stand traditions such as Catholic and for it?’ Baptist Churches, Mormonism and Orthodox Judaism. The Michael Miller authors explore how this 23 DIRECTOR’S CHOICE: CHURCHES OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND

More than 25 St Mark’s people have bought this delightful little book since it became available in December. It was produced by Janet Gough and the church buildings team of the Archbishop’s Council. It follows a similar book on cathedrals.

42 churches are featured in the book – one from each Diocese. Selection must have been difficult as the Church of England has such incredible richness in its 16,000 churches. Churches were selected from every period of church history, so that the first is the remote 7th century Anglo-Saxon Chapel at Chapel of Ripon College, Cuddesdon. Bradwell on the Essex coast. The last is the extraordinary 2015 Chapel of Ripon College, For anyone who loves churches, Cuddesdon, near Oxford, designed there are many treasures to be by Niall McLaughlin. It is described found in this book and some are not as a ‘ship of stone’, inspired by too far from Sheffield. There is St Seamus Heaney’s poem Martin of Tours Church at Lightenings viii (see illustration). Bilborough, Nottingham, with its fine murals of the annunciation by The penultimate church in the book female war artist, Evelyn Gibbs. is our own St Mark’s, with excellent Then there are the two great parish photographs both of the Eucharist churches of Beverley in York in progress below the Stammers Diocese – the Minster which window and of the exterior, with the provides civic services and a Victorian tower and spire and ministry to the wider region and St Pace’s walls with their many Mary’s which serves the local windows. The book notes: community. ‘St Mark’s today proudly David Price continues to provide a base for the radical theology and inclusive If you are interested in buying this book ministry and outreach that the for £10, please speak to Sarah Colver. building was built to express.’

24 THE STATE OF SHEFFIELD

On 14 February 2017, a large Sheffield had less higher skilled (level meeting was held at Sheffield Hallam 4) jobs and a high proportion of low University to introduce the seventh skilled and low paid workers. annual Report on the State of Sheffield. Lord Blunkett, as Chair of Sheffield remains a highly unequal the City Partnership Board, city. While life expectancy has introducing the proceedings, said that improved, for men there is a ten year we should concentrate on sustainable difference in life expectancy between economic growth and fairness. The the most and least deprived wards country was dominated by London and for women the gap is seven and the BREXIT vote showed a years. sense of alienation. We should fight against the idea that Manchester was synonymous with ‘the North’. He mentioned the appointment of a new Bishop in Sheffield and said that we should put him straight on women and equality.

Professor Gordon Dabinett, main author of the Report, said that

Sheffield had shown resilience in its response to the financial crisis on 2007/08 but its economy still suffered In a discussion of ‘democracy and from weaknesses. Sheffield’s gross engagement’, the Report said that in value added per head remained the the EU Referendum Sheffield people lowest of all Core Cities. (Core Cities were split 3 ways, with 136,018 voting are Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, ‘Leave’, 130,735 voting ‘Remain’ and Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, 129,471 not voting. The turnout was Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham just 5% less than the national turnout and Sheffield.) But Sheffield had had of 72.2%. The Report pointed to the the fourth fastest growth in this low levels of voting in local elections. measure since 2011. Sheffield’s It advocated a ‘Sheffield-wide manufacturing sector with 9% of jobs commitment to openness and is larger than that in most core cities. engagement’. The growth of the creative and digital industry sector was a success story. If you would like to read this report, it can be found at Educationally, there were https://www.sheffieldfirst.com/key- encouraging signs of improvement. documents/state-of-sheffield.html The educational outcomes achieved by Sheffield’s children were now David Price approaching national averages. But

25

MARCH HIGHLIGHTS

4 Sat 10.30am Knit and Natter 5 Sun Lent 1 8.00am Holy Communion (BCP) 10.00am The Parish Eucharist, with Crèche & Godly Play (Preacher: Mark Russell) 8.00pm Night Service: Holy Communion 8 Wed 7.30pm SCM+ Student Group 11 Sat 9.00am CRC Seminar and Library Morning 9.30am Peak Pilgrimage 12 Sun Lent 2 8.00am Holy Communion (BCP) 10.00am The Parish Eucharist, with Crèche & Godly Play (Preacher: Anne Padget) 8.00pm Night Service: Theme: Celtic/Iona 16 Thu 7.30pm PCC Meeting 17 Fri 7.30pm LOGOS Bible Study

18 Sat 9.30am Godly Play Meeting 19 Sun Lent 3 8.00am Holy Communion (BCP) 10.00am The Parish Eucharist, with Crèche & Godly Play (Preacher:Sarah Colver) 8.00pm Night Service: Theme: Taizé 22 Wed 7.30pm SCM+ Student Group

26 Sun Mothering Sunday 8.00am Holy Communion (BCP) 10.00am The Parish Eucharist, with Crèche & Godly Play (Preacher: Sarah Colver) 8.00pm Night Service: Themed 1 Sat 10.30am Knit and Natter 2 Sun Passion Sunday 8.00am Holy Communion (BCP) 10.00am The Parish Eucharist, with Crèche & Godly Play (Preacher: Mark Newitt) 8.00pm Night Service: Holy Communion

Weekday Worship:

Monday 8.30am: Morning Prayer 9.00am: Holy Communion

Tuesday 8.30pm: Morning Prayer

Wednesday 8.30am: Holy Communion

Thursday 8.30am: Morning Prayer 12noon: Holy Communion

Friday 8.30am: Morning Prayer 5.00pm: Evening Prayer

For concerts during March please keep an eye on the website and notice boards.

Messenger editorial team: Frances Gray, Carol Rowe, David Price, Dez Martin, Margot Fox. This issue was edited by David and guest editor Andrew Burdett.

The Editors welcome comments and suggestions, and invite contributions. Items should be submitted to the editor by 12th day of the month to be considered for the next edition.

The next edition will be edited by Carol Rowe: [email protected]

When sending photographs for the Messenger, please ensure that they are JPEG.s, and preferably of a high resolution. Many thanks.

It should be noted that the Editors cannot guarantee to publish material and wish to point out that items included do not necessarily reflect their views or those of the Parochial Church Council.

WHO’S WHO

Vicar Revd Sue Hammersley 266 0260/07904 284 853 [email protected]

Associate Vicar Pastoral Care Coordinator Revd Sarah Colver 07975689403 Gill MacGregor 266 1079

Assistant Priest Lunch Club Revd Shan Rush 07598156817 Briony Tayler 235 0174 Rosalind Rogerson 268 1426 Lay Reader Anne Padget 07736 527777 Godly Play (up to Y6) Sarah Armstrong 266 3023 Chaplain to Night Service Revd Liz Anson 229 5478 Lions (Y7 and above) Alice Newitt 230 4586 Children’s Outreach Worker 288 4198 Safe Church Officer 07708098499 Revd Tim Gregory Jane Keeling

Honorary Staff Diocesan Safeguarding Officer Revd Dr. Michael Bayley 258 5248 Linda Langthorne 07871796682 Revd Peter Fisher 327 4718 Revd Dr. Mark Newitt 230 4586 Domestic Abuse Officer Revd Canon Michael Page 266 3798 Helen Gregory 288 4198 Revd John Wood 266 5173 Sacristan Director of Music music@stmarkssheffield. David Armstrong 266 3023 Mark McCombs co.uk Library Team Churchwardens Maureen Bownas 230 2757 Philip Booth 255 0634 Pauline Miller 258 3678 Sarah Moore 233 1912 PCC Group/ Facilitator Caretaker Tim Moore 233 1912 International Dilys Noble 266 1372 Treasurer David Ryder 230 3242 Faith & Justice 01246 Joe Forde 569424 Assistant Treasurer Judith Pitchforth 230 7685 Finance & Fabric Briony Tayler 235 0174 PCC Secretary Juliet Storey 266 6095 Home Donations contact via Judy Robinson office Transport Coordinator Briony Tayler 235 0174 CTBB Worker with Older People ctbb546@ Claire Brooks btinternet.com

The Vicar normally has Tuesday off parish duties. The Associate Vicar normally has Tuesday off parish duties. The Assistant Priest normally has Saturday off parish duties. THE CHURCH OFFICE IS OPEN DAILY MONDAY TO FRIDAY FROM 9.00 AM TO 1.00 PM Church Administrator: Innes MacLeod TEL. 0114 266 3613 Email: [email protected] Visit us on www.stmarkssheffield.co.uk